Billy Peponakis, Drew Santa Lucia and Devin Mercedes (center) of the Queens Falcons have been moved from the natural grass field at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village, NY to the astro turf field at Victory Field in Woodhaven, NY.james messerschmidt

The Queens Falcons football team’s drive to return to their home field failed because they fumbled on the opening play, a judge ruled today.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Cullen said since the Falcons couldn’t prove they had applied to play in Juniper Valley Park, he was forced to let the ruling on the field stand – the Falcons will have to play their games on the artificial turf fields that the Parks Department assigned them.

“My hands are tied. I’m bound by the law,” Cullen said as he punted the Falcons’ bid to regain their old turf in Middle Village.

Tim Cavanaugh, who coaches the Falcons, said team would play out the season on the artificial fields and he has already contacted the Parks Department about getting back on the grass next year.

“I understand the city has had budget constraints, but if you’re throwing kids off a field for tearing up the grass – it’s kind of moronic,” Cavanaugh said.

Besides, he said, the Falcons are about more than football.

“It’s a whole community trying to help kids,” he said.

The Falcons and the Run to Daylight program, he said, have graduated many players, including kids from tough circumstances, to elite prep schools and colleges on football scholarships.